Police chief: Mishawaka cop had sex on duty

MISHAWAKA - A 13-year veteran of the police force could be fired after a South Bend police investigation reportedly found him engaged in a sexual relationship - occurring when he was supposed to be on duty.

Cpl. Willie Davis Jr. is currently suspended from the Mishawaka Police Department without pay, pending a hearing before the city’s board of public works and safety.

Davis is alleged to have “engaged in a sexual relationship with a civilian while on duty in derogation of his responsibility,” according to a letter presented to the board this week by Chief Ken Witkowski.

Witkowski’s letter says he learned of Davis’ alleged misconduct when he was contacted by South Bend Police Chief Darryl Boykins on May 20.

Boykins, Witkowski wrote, learned of Davis’ alleged misconduct during a South Bend police internal affairs investigation. The nature of that investigation has not been disclosed.

According to the letter, a subsequent investigation by Mishawaka police led to the discovery that Davis violated his police duties at least 16 times between April 4 and May 4.

Witkowski accused Davis of violating several sections of the state’s police code, including neglect of duty, conduct unbecoming of an officer and immoral conduct.

On Tuesday, Witkowski asked the board to formally suspend Davis and asked that his termination from the department be made effective this Sunday.

That termination process, however, was challenged Thursday by Davis, who requested a hearing to contest the charges.

City attorney Cory Hamel said the board is likely to set a date for that hearing at its next meeting Tuesday.